ZDP-Togo: Official Launch to Combat Plastic Waste in Togo

• Zéro Déchet Plastique-Togo (ZDP-Togo) officially launched on August 27 to combat widespread plastic waste and pollution in Lomé.
• ZDP-Togo President Gérard Djossou warned of severe health risks, including chronic diseases and cancers, from microplastics entering the food chain.
• Togo has a legal framework for environmental protection, including a 2008 law and 2011 decree, with a 2026 amendment set to strengthen the ban on non-biodegradable plastics.
• The organization advocates for the strict enforcement of existing environmental laws rather than the creation of new ones.
• ZDP-Togo aims to mitigate flood risks, promote a Togo circular economy plastic model through recycling, and create employment opportunities.

The silent contamination from microplastics, often invisible to the naked eye, poses a severe long-term health risk, including chronic pathologies and certain cancers, as these particles enter the food chain.

A new organization, Zéro Déchet Plastique-Togo (ZDP-Togo), officially commenced its activities on Thursday, August 27, with the stated mission to combat the pervasive issue of plastic waste in Togo. The launch event, held in Lomé, was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including local elected officials, representatives from public bodies such as EPAM, ANASAP, and ANADEB, and various neighborhood chiefs, notably TOGBUI ADJALLE-DADZIE VI, who serves as both the chief of Amoutive canton and the superior chief of Lomé.

The initiative, operating under the motto "Tout se transforme!" (Everything transforms!), directly addresses the long-standing problem of plastic pollution evident across Lomé's urban landscape. Streets, drainage systems, and the coastline have been marred by discarded plastic bags, accumulated packaging in markets, and the insidious presence of microplastics. This widespread environmental degradation has prompted ZDP-Togo to take structured action against what has become a commonplace yet critical concern.

Gérard Djossou, a municipal councilor for Commune du Golfe 4 and the President of ZDP-Togo, underscored the urgency of the situation. He emphasized that the threat posed by plastic extends far beyond mere aesthetic or environmental concerns, directly impacting public health and the overall quality of life in the region. The organization's official launch marks a significant step in mobilizing collective efforts to tackle the growing challenge of plastic waste in Togo.

President Gérard Djossou highlighted the severe health implications of plastic pollution, asserting that the danger transcends the immediate living environment. He warned that the long-term health of the population, alongside the integrity of biodiversity and ecosystems, is gravely threatened. A key concern raised by Djossou involves microplastics, which are often imperceptible to the naked eye but can be ingested by marine life and subsequently enter the human food chain.

This silent contamination, according to Djossou, exposes communities to chronic health issues, including certain types of cancer. He issued a direct appeal to public authorities, urging them to recognize the gravity of the situation and acknowledge that public health is under serious threat. Beyond governmental action, Djossou also called upon individuals to adopt more responsible practices, advocating for reduced plastic consumption, avoidance of littering, reuse of plastic items where possible, and active participation in valorization efforts.

The pervasive problem of Lomé plastic pollution also has immediate social consequences. The accumulation of plastic waste in gutters and waterways significantly exacerbates the risk of flooding in the city during each rainy season. ZDP-Togo aims to mitigate these risks by organizing systematic collection efforts, leveraging the support of neighborhood development committees (CDQ), whose members are integral to the organization's executive board, thereby fostering a strong local presence and community engagement.

Togo already possesses a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to address environmental protection, particularly concerning plastic waste. This includes the framework law on the environment, enacted on May 30, 2008, which serves as the foundational legal basis for environmental policy in the country. This was further supplemented by an implementing decree issued on January 5, 2011, along with a series of subsequent orders.

Crucially, the legal landscape has evolved further with an amendment that took place in March 2026. This amendment has elevated and consolidated the interdiction of non-biodegradable plastics in Togo, signaling a strengthening of regulatory measures against harmful plastics. However, ZDP-Togo emphasizes that the immediate priority is not the creation of new legislation, but rather the rigorous enforcement of the environmental laws already in place.

The organization's call for enhanced Togo environmental law enforcement underscores a critical need for governmental bodies to apply existing regulations effectively. This stance highlights a significant area for compliance focus, particularly for businesses involved in packaging and manufacturing, as regulatory scrutiny on plastic waste management is anticipated to intensify, especially with the upcoming 2026 amendment.

Beyond environmental protection and health concerns, ZDP-Togo is committed to fostering a Togo circular economy plastic model. President Djossou articulated the association's duty to promote the sorting, collection, and recycling of plastic waste, alongside mobilizing communities to achieve a cleaner and healthier environment. The vision extends beyond mere disposal, encouraging the transformation of used plastics into new, durable products.

This approach not only diverts waste from landfills and natural environments but also creates tangible economic opportunities. Djossou highlighted that this valorization chain, by giving plastics a "new life" after their initial use, inherently generates employment. The initiative aims to integrate waste management into a broader economic strategy, turning a pollution problem into a source of livelihood.

ZDP-Togo firmly believes that the success of its mission hinges on collective mobilization. The organization acknowledges that no single entity can tackle the challenge alone, calling for concerted efforts from institutions, public authorities, local communities, parliamentarians, businesses, and the state. This collaborative spirit is central to realizing the goal of a sustainable and plastic-waste-free Togo.

This signals increased pressure for the enforcement of Togo's existing environmental laws on plastic waste. Lawyers and compliance officers should advise businesses, especially in packaging and manufacturing, to review their compliance with the 2008 framework law and 2011 decree, and prepare for the 2026 amendment on non-biodegradable plastics, as regulatory scrutiny is set to intensify.

Source: Original reporting via Togo First